Uterine contractions in rodent models and humans

Abstract

Aberrant uterine contractions can lead to preterm birth and other labour complications and are a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. To investigate the mechanisms underlying dysfunctional uterine contractions, researchers have used experimentally tractable small animal models. However, biological differences between humans and rodents change how researchers select their animal model and interpret their results. Here, we provide a general review of studies of uterine excitation and contractions in mice, rats, guinea pigs, and humans, in an effort to introduce new researchers to the field and help in the design and interpretation of experiments in rodent models.

Modulating the mechanokinetics of spontaneous contractions of the myometrium of rats using calix[4]arene C-90 – plasma membrane calcium ATPase inhibitor

“…4A). It is known that the slowing down of the intensification of the force of spontaneous phase contractions in visceral SM is mainly conditioned by suppressing the intake of Са 2+ ions to SMC from the extracellular space via potential-governed Са 2+ -channels [2,7]. Thus, it can be inferred that under preincubation of myometrium preparations with calix [4]arene C-90, there process of the intake of this cation via the plasma membrane is suppressed; this effect may cause a general decrease in the activity index of uterine contractions.…”

“…As the previous biochemical studies had decisively proven that calix [4]arene С-90 has selective influence on the systems of primary active transport of Са 2+ into uterine SMC (first and foremost, due to PMCA inhibition) [4,22,23], our further studies were related to the mechanokinetic analysis of relaxation processes of spontaneous phase contractions of the myometrium preparations. The relaxation process in visceral SM is accompanied by a reduction in the intracellular concentration of Са 2+ ions in the myoplasm [7,10,17,[19][20][21]. On the background of all the applied concentrations (10 -7 -10 -4 М), calix [4]arene С-90 conditioned the slowing down of the relaxation of spontaneous contractions in uterine muscle preparations of rats, which was reflected in a reliable decrease in the parameter for the maximal velocity of the relaxation phase (V R ) (Fig.…”

“…Several processes are involved in the relaxation of the myometrium: the main contribution is made by the pumping of Ca 2+ outside the cell through the PM (energy-dependent transport systems -PMCA and Na + ,Ca 2+ -exchanger), much less significant contribution is made by the pumping into intracellular Ca 2+ -depots (Ca 2+ -uniporter of mitochondria and CPKA) [7,24]. Besides, due to an increased repolarization of PM, activation of Ca 2+ -sensitive K + -channels and increased work of Na + ,K + -ATPase lead to relaxation [24,25].…”

Mode Switch of Ca2 + Oscillation-Mediated Uterine Peristalsis and Associated Embryo Implantation Impairments in Mouse Adenomyosis

“…Another concern with this method is that the pressure probes may induce or alter uterine peristalsis via a short loop reflex. Finally, ex vivo isolated uterine strips have been often used to measure uterine contractions via an organ bath ( Massenavette et al, 2017 ; Arrowsmith et al, 2018 ; Malik et al, 2021 ). This method does not provide spatial information on uterine peristalsis, nor can it measure wave-like contractions that naturally occur in the intact uterus.…”

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“…Another concern with this method is that the pressure probes may induce or alter uterine peristalsis via a short loop reflex. Finally, ex vivo isolated uterine strips have been often used to measure uterine contractions via an organ bath (Massenavette et al, 2017;Arrowsmith et al, 2018;Malik et al, 2021). This method does not provide spatial information on uterine peristalsis, nor can it measure wavelike contractions that naturally occur in the intact uterus.…”